respirator
UK: ˈrɛspəreɪtə | US: ˈrɛspəreɪtər
n. a device worn over the mouth and nose to filter air for breathing, especially in hazardous environments.
n. (Medicine) a machine that assists or controls breathing, often used in intensive care.
The word "respirator" originates from Latin respirare ("to breathe again"), combining re- (prefix meaning "again") and spirare ("to breathe"). The suffix -ator (from Latin -ator) denotes an agent or tool, giving the modern meaning of a device that facilitates breathing. The term reflects the device's function—either filtering air for repeated inhalation or mechanically assisting respiration.
The firefighter wore a respirator to avoid inhaling toxic smoke.
Hospitals stockpile respirators for emergencies like pandemics.
This industrial respirator filters out 99% of airborne particles.
The patient was placed on a respirator after surgery.
Proper maintenance ensures the respirator functions effectively.